Author Archives: Ean Golden

Today Native Instruments announced it will be spearheading a movement towards multi-channel audio files aimed at empowering new styles of DJ mixing. While the tools needed to create and playback stem files are being produced for Traktor at first, the format itself is open source and may be supported by other DJ software and hardware in the future. Continue reading for an inside look at this exciting new format.

Native Instruments has given the world a sneak peek at the new Traktor deck controller live in action at WMC. DJs Uner, MK, and Dubfire are performing on a live stream using what appears to be the deck portion of the S8. Is it a replacement for the X1 Mk2? Keep reading for more information on the latest hardware from Berlin.

Rotary house mixers are a fabled tool from music's past beloved by house DJs around the globe. Along with vinyl, their popularity seemed to wain in recent years but the response to Rane's new MP2015 mixer suggests that perhaps people are ready for a throwback with some modern tools. This digital power-house packs a mean punch but comes with a hefty price tag - is it worth it?

One of the most powerful features of Traktor is it’s midi mapping capabilities. Midi mapping allows DJs to create custom mappings that are unique to their workflow or performance and it is what has made things like the Instant Gratification mapping possible with Traktor. It can be intimidating to create a mapping so today Ean Golden is going to walk through the basics of midi mapping.

Depending on the venue or type of event there may be a point in the night when the DJ needs to make an announcement (or several) such as last call or birthday shoutouts. What if they forgot to bring a mic or a mic isn’t available at the club? There’s a very simple solution, use headphones as a microphone.

One of the challenges for Traktor and Serato DJs playing in a multi DJ lineup is seamlessly transitioning between laptops with only one soundcard or mixer. This isn’t an issue for DJs that use CDJs or Rekordbox since the other DJ can throw in a CD or their USB stick.
Luckily Ean Golden has a simple trick that makes switching between DJs on 1 soundcard super easy using the Roll effect commonly found on club mixers like the Pioneer DJM 900.

Before the introduction of DAW’s (Digital Audio Workstation) and laptops, most electronic music was created using a variety of analog gear. However as the cost of software and laptops dropped, more people started learning how to make music with their laptop. For younger producers, making music with a laptop is all they know. Today Ean Golden is going to show how you can start making music without a laptop and without breaking the bank.

Many people are now carrying a wide range of gear with them on the road or in the studio, and this brings up the common question: what is the right way to set it up? All of your devices including controllers, sound-cards, and dj consoles have different power demands so it's critical to know the right and wrong way to use USB hubs when connecting them all to the computer.